Inverted Nipples

When people think about surgery to enhance the appearance of the breast, they usually think about enlargement, reduction or uplift. However, for many women it is the appearance of their nipples that concerns them most. These women are pleased to learn that there are cosmetic procedures to enhance just the nipple and surrounding area.

To understand these procedures, it is important to remember that what most people think of as “the nipple” is actually made up of two parts: the nipple, which is the area that protrudes, and the dark pigmented skin around the nipple, which is called the areola.

correcting inverted nipples

A nipple is said to be inverted if it points inward. Depending on the degree of inversion it may look flat or like a slit-like depression or a hole at the normal nipple location.

Approximately 2% of women have inverted nipples. In most cases, this condition has existed from birth and is caused by the nipple being tethered to shortened underlying milk ducts. The condition may also be caused by scar tissue beneath the nipple from previous surgery or infection.

Inverted nipples can be repaired by surgically releasing the tethering structures and using a suturing technique that keeps the nipples facing outward. This surgery can be performed at the same time as other breast surgery, however if there is any doubt about the appropriateness of doing this, the nipple repair surgery should be performed at a later date.

reducing large nipples

Large nipples may be inherited or they may develop after childbirth and breastfeeding. Either way, nipples that are too large - either in circumference or length - can affect a woman's appearance both in and out of clothing.

If you are considering surgery to correct this condition, your surgeon will first determine which part of the nipple needs to be reduced. Depending on the shape or your nipples, a reduction in length, width or both may be appropriate.

• If your nipples are too long and either droop down or project too far out, your surgeon will create a shorter nipple length by removing the tip of the nipple and suturing for closure. Occasionally the skin along the neck of the nipple will also be removed. In those cases, the tip of the nipple is then sutured to the bottom of the nipple, creating a shorter length.
• If your nipples are too wide or thick, but not too long, a pie-shaped wedge will be removed. This allows the nipple to be “taken in,” reducing its circumference. Dissolving sutures are used.

Surgery to reduce nipple size can be performed on an out-patient basis, often using local anaesthesia, and usually takes less than an hour. You can expect to return to your normal activities within a day or two.

Healing from this procedure is rapid and scarring (if any) is rarely visible. In most cases normal sensitivity is maintained.

reducing the areola

Large areolas may develop after childbirth or as the result of breast reduction or uplift surgery. In either case, the areola may appear out of proportion to the rest of the breast. There are no medical problems associated with having large areolas, so reducing them is a purely cosmetic decision. However, some women find their self-esteem and body image are significantly enhanced by improving the areolas' appearance.

Areola reduction is accomplished by removing some of the pigmented area, either by an incision around the outside of the areola or by an incision around the base of the nipple. Very large areolas may require a lollypop-shaped closure where a vertical incision runs down from the nipple as well as around the areola.

learning more

If you'd like to know more about inverted nipples, large nipples or areola reduction, we invite you to download our inverted nipples brochure or call our office at 01273 62 11 44.

other procedures

more information

The confidential consultation provides the opportunity to meet your specialist surgeon who will take full details of your medical history and discuss your concerns. Your specialist surgeon will indicate and explain the most appropriate procedure, treatment and aftercare. The confidential consultation takes place in a relaxed atmosphere and provides you with the opportunity to be fully informed. Mr Yelland is happy to see cosmetic patients on a self-referral basis.

If you would like a consultation to be arranged for you, please fill in the form or contact us by telephone at (01273) 621144. Arranging a medical consultation does not obligate you to anything other than attending the appointment. There is no obligation to proceed with treatment. This is entirely a matter for your decision, after the surgeon has decided on the feasibility and accepted you as suitable.

Specialising in Cosmetic Surgery, Breast Augmentation (Breast Enlargement), Breast Implants, Breast Uplift (Mastopexy), Breast Reduction, Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck), Mini Abdominoplasty (Minituck), Liposuction (Liposculpture), Facial Rejuvenation (Wrinkle Removal / Line Injection, Restylane), Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty), Fat Transfer

Cosmetic Surgery services provided in Sussex, Surrey, Kent, Hampshire, Wiltshire, Berkshire, London and the South-East of England.

• Sussex - Brighton & Hove, Eastbourne, Worthing, Hastings, Haywards Heath
• Surrey - Redhill, Reigate, Gatwick, Guildford, Horsham, Crawley, Sutton, Camberley
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